No Respect: Top POY Candidates You Hear Nothing About

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Every year, an established player that returned is usually nabbed as a Preseason All-American, or placed in some elite group heading into the season.

Then, there are the freshman that are coming on strong, and usually get looks as a possible player of the year candidate. Or, some athletes that were lurking in the shadows have come out ready to showcase their skills.

That is a consistent theme in college, and we witness it year-in and year-out.

This year, you can make a case for Jared Sullinger from Ohio State as a POY contender, or freshman Kyrie Irving from Duke.

How about established players like Derrick Williams from Arizona, or Jimmer Fredette from BYU.

You have players like Tyler Honneycutt, and Kemba Walker having coming out seasons, which steals the spotlight away from other contenders that don't get enough attention.

Here is my selection of players who aren't getting enough love as a POY candidate:

Purdue Boilermakers (8-1) - JaJuan Johnson 6'10'' 220 lbs F
Purdue's JaJuan Johnson has been in double-figures in every game they've played this year. He has also racked up four double-digit rebound games, which translates into four double-doubles on the season.

Johnson has career totals in points with 17.6, rebounds with 8.1, blocks with 2.4 and assist with 1.2 per game.

Johnson led his team over Virginia Tech in OT, and continues to be impressive on the offense end. Johnson certainly has the caliber to become a POY recipient, if he can continue to attack the glass, and keep Purdue in the winning column, I think you'll hear more from him.

Washington State Cougars (6-1) - Klay Thompson 6'6'' 200 lbs G
Nobody expects a Naismith winner to come out of the Pac-10, at least while the conference is in turmoil. But, Klay Thompson is putting up some eye-popping numbers, as well as, leading this Cougars attack.

Thompson currently averages 21.6 points, five assist, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. I haven't seen numbers similar to that since Evan Turner.

With impressive performances to help the Cougars keep things interesting against Kansas State, and to watch Thompson come away with 24 points, six assist, and six rebounds, to go along with seven steals against Gonzaga, Thompson deserves to be in the conversation.

Kentucky Wildcats (6-2) - Terrence Jones 6'9'' 245 lbs F
Terrence Jones is the only freshman from the power six conferences to average a double-double. Jones currently averages 20 points, and pulls down 10.5 boards per game.

Interesting fact, Kentucky's freshman star Jones played less than thirty minutes in both losses this season because of foul trouble.

However, with Jones on the court for 30-plus minutes Kentucky is (6-0). Jones is such a freak of nature, and has the physical gifts of a second-level Lamar Odom. If Jones can continue to put Kentucky in position to win, he shouldn't be absent when talking about POY candidates.

Illinois Fighting Illini (9-1) - Demetri McCamey 6'3'' 200 lbs G
The Illinois Fighting Illini have taken care of business this season against Maryland, Gonzaga, and UNC.

Demetri McCamey, their senior leader, has stepped up big time for the Fighting Illini. He has become a better decision-making guard, which is one of the reasons why the Illini has one loss. McCamey isn't taking bad shots, or throwing the ball away on key possessions; for the most part.

This year, you're seeing a better decision-making McCamey, which will translate well in March. Everyone understands how beneficial point guard play is to a team, and the Illini possesses that with McCamey.

Pittsburgh Panthers (10-0) - Brad Wanamaker 6'4'' 210 G
Brad Wanamaker has the Panthers off to their best start since Pittsburgh was heartbroken later in the season on a last second layup by Scottie Reynolds.

This season, Wanamaker has been the most consistent player on the team. He averages 12.8 points, 5.7 assist, and 5.3 rebounds. This is all coming in 26.8 minutes of play, meaning his stats could rise with more playing time.

Wanamaker means a lot to this Pitt team, if he continues to stay consistent with his contributions, as well as keeping the Panthers in the winning column, Wanamaker can make a case for a Naismith award.

Kansas State Wildcats (8-1) - Jacob Pullen 6'0'' 200 G
Jacob Pullen was an early Preseason All-American, and should have been in the talks as of now. However, after turning in a four point, four turnover night, Pullen has dropped out of the talks.

However, Pullen is still averaging 16 points, four assist, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. Not to mention, he has three 20-plus games, and high assist nights.

Nonetheless, if Pullen wants to join the POY talks again, he has to step up on the big stage. He showed poise against Virginia Tech, and Gonzaga but not against Duke. He has to step his game up big time during conference play.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

College Hoops: Top Five Point Guards in the Nation

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

In this past decade, the last five National Championship teams embraced a talented point guard that led the way. Think of Jon Scheyer and what he did for Duke.

How about Ty Lawson and his ability to take care of the ball. Taurean Green was apart of the Florida Gators when they won back-to-back National Championship, and helped them stay consistent with scoring, and defense.

There isn't a team in the top-5 currently that can say they'd survive without their lead guard.

Point guards are a great necessity and to be successful, they'll need to be able to handle the ball, and create offense for their teammates.

Additionally, point guards are looked on to lead the way for the offense and always put his team in position to win the game.

I've witnessed these traits throughout the first month of November, and some point guards have caught my eye. As the debate rises of who the nations top-point guard is, here is my stance on the top-5 guards in the country.

5. Chris Wright - Georgetown Hoyas

Chris Wright has the Georgetown Hoyas (7-0) undefeated and off to their second straight undefeated November. Wright came through with the key three point basket against Mizzou that sent it into overtime, and was the one to finish the Tigers off with free-throws in OT.

Wright has blossomed into a great lead guard. He is up to 7.4 assist per game, with two double-digit assist outings.

Wright has been held to double-figures in two games this season, but also turned in an eight, and nine assist nights, which shows you his ability to impact the game without scoring.

4. Kalin Lucas - Michigan State Spartans

Kalin Lucas isn't 100 percent after injuring his achilles tendon last year, but you wouldn't be able to tell if you watched him in action. Lucas' Spartans (5-2) have dropped two games but both to respectable squads.

Lucas is currently averaging 17 points, 3.1 assist, and two rebounds. He is also shooting 46 percent from the field taking an average of 12 shots per game.

Michigan State survived last year without Lucas, but this season he is very beneficial. He helps Michigan State stay competitive with many teams, and is one of the reasons the Spartans were able to stay in the game against Duke.

Without being at full strength, Lucas is still one of the best lead guards in the country.

3. Demetri McCamey - Illinois Fighting Illini

Seeing that McCamey and Deron Williams attended the same college everybody wants to throw out the comparisons. I don't see many key traits, but what I do see is a better decision-making guard.

McCamey averaged 3.4 turnovers last year, but is now averaging 2.3 per outing. That is an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.44, which is more than his first two seasons combined.

He has great court vision, and finds his teammates in their sweet spots for the score. McCamey is currently second in the nation in assist with 7.8 per game.

McCamey scores, gets his team involved, and leads the Illini to victory. McCamey is a polished college point guard with the ability to be something great at the next level.

2. Kyrie Irving - Duke Blue Devils

You want to know how Kyrie Irving is good? Try leading the No. 1 team in the nation over then-No.3 Kansas State, and the No. 6 Michigan State Spartans by outplaying two experienced guard in Jacob Pullen and Kalin Lucas.

Irving has the unique talent to push the ball up and down the floor without your defense doing much about it. His speed and quickness is just flat out amazing, and Irving always makes plays in the open court.

Irving just dropped a career-high 31 points on Michigan State, and is now on pace to join freshman like Carmelo Anthony that led Syracuse to the National Championship as a true freshman.

1. Kemba Walker - Connecticut Huskies

Kemba Walker, hands down, is the best point guard in the country. You cannot name a point guard that has the ability to lead an average team over two top-10 opponents in a span of two days.

Walker has the ability to take over games with his scoring ability and leadership. During their most recent win against New Hampshire, Walker put UConn on its back and carried them to victory.

Walker benefits UConn on the boards (4.3 rpg), the assist column (3.4 apg), and steals (2.2).

He does everything you want a point guard to do and more. He gets the team involved, takes over games when needed, very consistent, and play defense.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

No. 16 Illinois will face-off against No. 22 Texas in a Classic Top-25 Showdown

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The No. 22 Texas Longhorns (2-0) will finally get a glimpse of just how good they are as a team. The Longhorns will face off against the No. 16 Illinois Fighting Illini in the 2K Sports Classic at Madison Square Garden.

Illinois, and Texas have not faced off against each other since the Longhorns won at home 72-64 in 2000.

The Fighting Illini have ran through their first three opponents by an average of 25-points a game.

Texas will likely bring that average down with the Longhorns averaging 86-points over their first two games, while only allowing 55-points to opponents.

However, the Longhorns will have a tough time trying to embrace the depth of Illinois.

Illinois bench has averaged around 30 points a game, with guard Brandon Paul leading the way for the reserves with 11.7 points off the bench.

Starting point guard Demetri McCamey has been on a hot streak shooting lately. Through the first three games, McCamey has come away with 14.7 points, eight assist, while shooting 60 percent from the field.

Mike Davis has reached double-figures in all three games for the Illini averaging 12.3, and frontcourt mate Mike Tisdale has lead Illinois in rebounding with 7.7 per contest.

However, the Illini struggles on the boards will continue when they face the Longhorns. Texas has 97 total rebounds through the first two games, with 27 coming on the offensive end.

That is way above the average of Illinois who is currently pulling down 37 (111 total) rebounds per contest.

Jordan Hamilton, the Longhorns leading scorer, has impressed a lot with his ability to take over games. Through the first two, Hamilton has averaged 22.5 points, and seven rebounds per outing.

Not to mention, Gary Johnson has accumulated 16 points, eight rebounds, while freshman Tristian Thompson averages 12.5 with seven rebounds.

Nonetheless, the game should come down to whoever takes care of the ball. Both teams are averaging around 15 turnovers a game, and the real competition has yet to hit. Which ever team has great guard play should be in position to win the game.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email

Look For a Better Decision-Making McCamey in 11'

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

The Illinois Fighting Illini might open up the season as one of the best teams in the NCAA. Thank Demetri McCamey for coming back, and Head Coach Bruce Weber for surrounding him with hot young talent.

But let's be clear here, McCamey wasn't always the favorable player in late game situations. Do you remember when Illinois played Utah and McCamey turned the ball over seven times?

The Illini ended up losing the game by two, and McCamey finished with three assist, and seven turnovers. How about the time McCamey lost his head during the Wisconsin game where they were blown out.

During both of those games, and throughout the season McCamey displayed poor decision-making. On the season, McCamey turned the ball over almost four times a game, 3.4 to be exact.

However, this upcoming season the Illini senior guard will be a better decision maker. Last year, McCamey wanted to do too much because he lacked enough talent to keep his team competitive.

You would often see him try to force the offense in late-game situations, or whenever the Illini needed a bucket.

This season, the Illini brought in Jereme Richmond, Meyers Leonard, and Crandell Head to help McCamey. The Fighting Illini also retained Mike Davis, Mike Tisdale, and D.J Richardson from last year's squad.

However, Richmond will be the recruit to open-eyes and will most likely be on the end of many McCamey assist. According to McCamey, Richmond is the Illini's Evan Turner. He can play multiple positions and should rack up a lot of stats for the Illini.

Not only will added talent help his decision-making, but the summer experience will help as well. McCamey was present to the LeBron James Skills Academy were he was paired with many other top players in the country.

An experience like that is favorable for any player looking for an edge. McCamey is a key asset to the Fighting Illini.

Coach Weber embraces one of the top guards in the country. Last season, McCamey improved his assist drastically from a year ago. He averaged 7.1 assist, compared to the 4.1 acquired his sophomore year.

With the betterment of his game, I expect McCamey to be a far better decision maker then he was last year. He will strive with the added talent, cut back on turnovers, and possibly lead his team through the challenges of the NCAA Tournament.

The Illini returned all five starters from last year's NIT team, but brought in stellar freshman. The expectations are high for the Illini, and Illinois' fans cannot wait until the season tips-off.

For more CoHoops news follow us on Twitter (@Collegiate_Hoop) or subscribe via email